Belmont University encourages cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation on campus. To ensure a safe and organized environment for all, Belmont University Campus Security has established guidelines and regulations for bicycle use and registration. This guide provides comprehensive information on Belmont’s bicycle policies, registration procedures, safety tips, and security measures to help you navigate campus cycling effectively.
Why Register Your Belmont Bike?
Registering your bicycle with Belmont’s Office of Campus Security is mandatory for all bikes used on campus. This free service offers several key benefits:
- Theft Deterrent: Registration acts as a deterrent to potential bike thieves. Registered bikes are less attractive targets as they are easily traceable.
- Recovery Assistance: In the unfortunate event of theft, registration significantly aids in the recovery process. Campus Security can quickly identify and return your bike if recovered.
- Campus Planning: Registration helps Belmont University assess the number of bikes on campus, enabling better planning for bicycle-related infrastructure like bike racks and pathways.
- Abandoned Bike Management: It allows Campus Security to identify and manage abandoned bikes efficiently.
- Owner Notification: If your bike needs to be moved for any reason, registration provides contact information to notify you, preventing unnecessary disposal.
Unregistered bicycles are subject to removal by Campus Security.
Belmont Bike Parking Regulations
To maintain accessibility and order on campus, Belmont University has specific regulations regarding bicycle parking:
- Designated Bike Racks: Bicycles must be secured to designated bike racks at all times when unattended.
- Prohibited Parking Areas: Parking bikes in public access areas, building entrances or exits, attached to railings, landscaping, or any areas not specifically designated for bicycle use is prohibited.
- Removal Policy: Bicycles parked in violation of these regulations are subject to removal by Campus Security at the owner’s expense.
- Summer Storage: Bicycles left on campus during the summer break will be considered abandoned and removed at the owner’s expense.
Belmont University assumes no responsibility for any costs associated with bicycle removal, including damage to locks.
Belmont Bike Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide
Registering your Belmont bike is a simple online process through your my.Belmont account:
- Access Online Registration: Log in to your my.Belmont account.
- Locate the Link: Click on the “Online Vehicle and Bicycle Registration” link found on the left-hand menu.
- Pick Up Your Decal: After completing the online registration, you can pick up your official Belmont bicycle decal at the Office of Campus Security, located in the Gabhart Student Center. This decal must be affixed to the permanent part of your bike frame, just below the seat.
Information Needed for Online Registration:
Before starting the online registration, ensure you have the following details readily available:
- BUID (Belmont University ID)
- Bicycle Brand Name
- Bicycle Model/Style
- Bicycle Serial Number: This is typically found on the bike frame, underneath the pedals.
- Color of your Bike
- Additional Features or Identifying Information
- Estimated Value of your Bicycle
- Best Contact Phone Number (including area code)
Abandoned Belmont Bikes
Any bicycle removed by Campus Security that remains unclaimed for 30 days will be considered abandoned property and will be disposed of accordingly.
Belmont Bike Violation Fines
Belmont University enforces bicycle regulations with a system of fines:
- First Violation: Warning
- Subsequent Violations:
- No Permit (Unregistered Bike): $25.00
- Parking Violation (Improper Parking): $50.00
- Impounded Bicycle: $10.00 per day (fines for registered bike owners begin after notification of impoundment)
Fines increase with each recurring violation, doubling up to a maximum of $300.00. All subsequent offenses will incur the $300.00 penalty.
Belmont Bike Safety Tips for Campus Riders
Prioritizing safety is crucial when cycling on the Belmont campus. Adhere to these safety guidelines:
- Obey Traffic Laws: Cyclists on streets must follow the same traffic laws as vehicles. Ride on the right side of the road, near the curb, and obey all traffic signals and signs.
- Helmet and Awareness: Always wear a helmet to protect yourself from head injuries. Refrain from wearing headphones, as they impair your ability to hear surrounding traffic and potential hazards.
- Yield to Pedestrians: While bicycles belong on the road with traffic, if you must use sidewalks, always yield to pedestrians. When approaching pedestrians from behind, alert them to your presence and indicate which side you intend to pass on.
- Dismount in Designated Areas: Except for Police and Campus Security personnel, riding bicycles on campus sidewalks is generally prohibited. Dismount and walk your bike in crosswalks and on sidewalks, particularly in congested areas.
- Enhance Visibility: When riding in low-light conditions, make yourself visible. Wear reflective clothing and ensure your bike has a functional headlight and taillight.
- Assume Driver Invisibility: At intersections and crosswalks, always assume drivers may not see you. Stop, look both ways, and ensure all traffic has stopped before proceeding. Make eye contact with drivers to confirm they have seen you.
Securing Your Belmont Bike Against Theft
Bike theft is a concern on university campuses nationwide. Belmont is committed to minimizing bike theft through preventative measures and community awareness. Follow these steps to secure your Belmont bike effectively:
- Invest in a Quality Lock: Use a robust U-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock (at least 12mm thick). These locks are significantly more resistant to bolt cutters than cable locks. Consider brands that offer theft insurance and register your lock as per their instructions.
- Properly Secure to Bike Racks: Always lock your bike to a designated bike rack. The most secure method is to secure both the frame and the rear wheel to the rack, preventing easy removal of either.
- Use Secondary Security: For enhanced protection, use a secondary security device like a heavy cable or chain to secure the front wheel to the frame, in addition to your U-lock. This combination makes bike theft significantly more challenging and time-consuming for thieves.
- Register Your Bike with Campus Security: As emphasized, registering your bike is a crucial step in theft deterrence and recovery.
- Secure Storage During Extended Absences: If you leave campus for an extended period, such as summer break, take your bike with you or store it securely off-campus. Remember that bikes left on campus during summer will be considered abandoned.
Bike thieves are often sophisticated and opportunistic. They may blend in on campus, use communication and tools effectively, and target poorly secured bikes. Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Campus Security immediately. Quick reporting increases the chances of preventing theft.
Policies on Other Devices on Belmont Campus
Belmont University has specific policies regarding other transportation devices on campus:
- Skateboards, Longboards, Rollerblades, Skates, and Coasting Devices: These are permitted outdoors when classes are in session, provided they are used safely, do not endanger pedestrians, and do not cause property damage. Users must yield to pedestrians and dismount in congested areas (weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM). Tricks and use in parking garages, buildings, stairs, or railings are prohibited. Users assume all risks and are liable for injuries or damages caused by their use.
- Rented Scooters and Dockless Bicycles: For safety reasons, rented scooters are only permitted on public streets near campus where cars are allowed. They are prohibited on Belmont University property. Rented dockless bicycles are also not allowed to be left or stored on campus.
- Hoverboards: Due to safety concerns related to battery explosions, hoverboards and similar devices are prohibited on campus until safety standards are improved and the prohibition is lifted.
For any questions regarding Belmont University’s bicycle and transportation policies, please contact Campus Security.
Cautionary Note: Using any transportation device, including bicycles, involves inherent risks. Belmont University strongly encourages all users to understand these risks and take necessary precautions. Wearing protective gear, especially helmets, is highly recommended to minimize the risk of injury.
